Past, present city council members come together

Published: Monday, October 14, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, October 11, 2013 at 3:32 p.m.

When Alan Carson took over from John Gray as Lexington city manager in February, he thought it was a good idea to bring current and former mayors and city council members together at an informal luncheon. He wanted to introduce himself and give them an opportunity to swap ideas and just share stories about their time as public servants.

It was so successful that they decided to meet twice a year. The group met for the second time at the Lexington Municipal Club on Wednesday.

"I realized that something like this had never been done before," Carson said. "At the time, I just wanted to thank them for the opportunity to work my way up to the city manager's position, but then it was so interesting we decided that it is something we should do more often."

Former councilman Larry Beck said he believed the luncheon was a good idea.

"I think it was a good way for the former members of the council to keep up with what is going on with the city," Beck said. "It gives us the chance to exchange ideas with the current council and see what their goals are."

Mayor Newell Clark said he thinks it is important to keep former mayors and council members informed of what is happening in the city and to continue to make them part of the overall progress of the community.

"One of the things I have spoken about is how we prosper when we work together," Clark said. "This luncheon is just a continuation of that theme. As former council members, they are still approached by citizens who ask them what it happening with the city. When we meet regularly, it gives them the opportunity to come to the table and see what we are doing and the direction we are going in."

Beck said that the group discussed some of the big projects that are in the pipeline for Lexington, including the proposed Linwood Industrial Park and the Depot District revitalization effort.

"These are projects that were being discussed when many of us were still on the council," Beck said. "For example, we were very close to getting the industrial park before, but it never materialized. I am very interested in seeing that project succeed, and I want to continue to be involved."

Carson said although the group of past council members and mayors is actually quite small, numbering only 11, current leaders can glean valuable insight from former members.

"Many of the past and current members didn't really know each other, but they were all elected by the citizens," Carson said. "It was good to see them swapping stories and discussing how the town has progressed."

During the luncheon Wednesday, Carson introduced the new assistant city manager, Terra Greene, to the former council members and mayors. He said that it was not anything formal and there was no agenda other than to give city council members an opportunity to chat with former members.

"I think it was a good thing all around. I was pleased to see them all getting to know one another," Carson said.

Clark said it is important for the city representatives to continue to keep an open dialogue with former members to deliver a common message with the community.

"Even though they are not involved with the actual decision making, these former members are still committed to some of the ongoing projects." Clark said. "I would hope that all elected officials, past and present, will always continue to be a champion of their community."

Sharon Myers can be reached at 249-3981, ext, 228 or at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com.

<p>When Alan Carson took over from John Gray as Lexington city manager in February, he thought it was a good idea to bring current and former mayors and city council members together at an informal luncheon. He wanted to introduce himself and give them an opportunity to swap ideas and just share stories about their time as public servants.</p><p>It was so successful that they decided to meet twice a year. The group met for the second time at the Lexington Municipal Club on Wednesday.</p><p>"I realized that something like this had never been done before," Carson said. "At the time, I just wanted to thank them for the opportunity to work my way up to the city manager's position, but then it was so interesting we decided that it is something we should do more often."</p><p>Former councilman Larry Beck said he believed the luncheon was a good idea.</p><p>"I think it was a good way for the former members of the council to keep up with what is going on with the city," Beck said. "It gives us the chance to exchange ideas with the current council and see what their goals are."</p><p>Mayor Newell Clark said he thinks it is important to keep former mayors and council members informed of what is happening in the city and to continue to make them part of the overall progress of the community. </p><p>"One of the things I have spoken about is how we prosper when we work together," Clark said. "This luncheon is just a continuation of that theme. As former council members, they are still approached by citizens who ask them what it happening with the city. When we meet regularly, it gives them the opportunity to come to the table and see what we are doing and the direction we are going in."</p><p>Beck said that the group discussed some of the big projects that are in the pipeline for Lexington, including the proposed Linwood Industrial Park and the Depot District revitalization effort.</p><p>"These are projects that were being discussed when many of us were still on the council," Beck said. "For example, we were very close to getting the industrial park before, but it never materialized. I am very interested in seeing that project succeed, and I want to continue to be involved."</p><p>Carson said although the group of past council members and mayors is actually quite small, numbering only 11, current leaders can glean valuable insight from former members. </p><p>"Many of the past and current members didn't really know each other, but they were all elected by the citizens," Carson said. "It was good to see them swapping stories and discussing how the town has progressed."</p><p>During the luncheon Wednesday, Carson introduced the new assistant city manager, Terra Greene, to the former council members and mayors. He said that it was not anything formal and there was no agenda other than to give city council members an opportunity to chat with former members. </p><p>"I think it was a good thing all around. I was pleased to see them all getting to know one another," Carson said.</p><p>Clark said it is important for the city representatives to continue to keep an open dialogue with former members to deliver a common message with the community.</p><p>"Even though they are not involved with the actual decision making, these former members are still committed to some of the ongoing projects." Clark said. "I would hope that all elected officials, past and present, will always continue to be a champion of their community."</p><p>Sharon Myers can be reached at 249-3981, ext, 228 or at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com.</p>